Ukraine is imposing sanctions on 10 high-ranking clerics believed to be linked to a pro-Moscow church, on the grounds that they agreed to cooperate with the Russian occupation authorities or justified Moscow’s invasion, the Security Service of Ukraine said.

Saturday’s announcement is the latest in a series of moves against the Ukrainian branch of the Orthodox Church, which is historically linked to Moscow. The Orthodox Church in Russia supports the war.

Security services said the 10 clerics had variously agreed to cooperate with the occupation authorities, promoted pro-Russian narratives and justified Russian military aggression in Ukraine, Reuters and News.ro reported.

Most of the clergy – both members of the church and those closely associated with it – live in the territories controlled by Russia or are abroad, the service reported.

“The Security Service of Ukraine continues comprehensive work on the protection of the Ukrainian state and will continue to expose persons who threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” the message reads.

The Ukrainian branch officially severed ties with the Russian Orthodox Church last May, but many Ukrainians still suspect it of secret collaboration with Russia.